Patrick Chodura is working as a PR-Volunteer for Silk Relations in Berlin.

Dear Patrick, how did you apply for your current job?
Due to one of my internships during my studies at Silk Relations I decided to apply for the PR trainee as soon as I graduated from university.

And what did you do before?
A-Level (Abitur)
attended the civilian service
started an apprenticeship at Peek&Cloppenburg
2009 Fashion and Design Management studies at AMD in Munich
I worked several times as an intern in areas of Styling, PR, Social Media and Sales during my studies

Have you always had the intention to work in fashion?
I knew when I was a teenager that I wanted to work in the fashion industry. I started to read fashion magazines and exposed myself with the topic fashion. But I have to confess that my parents played a big role in giving me the opportunity to go my way into fashion.

How do the structures at Silk look like?
In total the agency employs 25 people: it’s a mix of interns, trainees, Junior PR Managers as well as Senior PR Managers.

How does a typical working day look like for you?
Well a typical day at Silk Relations starts of with answering a lot of e-mails and contacting customers via phone. I deal a lot with requests of journalists for specific topics; I do some pre-selection for shootings and pitch different latest stories.

When are the most stressfull times for you?
The most stressful times are repeated every three months – German Press Days & Fashion Week Berlin

What are the most positive aspects of your job?
Every day is different from the other: My tasks change daily and I learn something new every day and therefore I develop constantly with my task.
I have the chance to meet new and creative people every da.
I get the opportunity to manage and organize fashion shows during the Mercedes – Benz Fashion Week.

And less positive?
Working hours and extra hours add up during fashion week – I sometimes work up to 18 hours before the fashion week even starts.
I lot of people do not take my work seriously and they cant see the work load that is behind all of the events and shows I am planning.

How would you discribe the working atmosphere in your office?
The team itself is very important – if not the most important – aspect to stay at a company. At Silk Relations the working atmosphere is very unique and laid back. It’s like you would work with friends.

Which brands do you represent at Silk?
The three biggest brands we take care of are: NIKE, Levi's and Tiger of Sweden. Next to those we are also in charge of 20 other brands, which all come from the areas of fashion, lifestyle, beauty or events.

Today a lot of people want to work in fashion – Do you have an advice how to get there?
I do not think that there is a classic way to enter the fashion industry – it does not mean, just because you like dressing up, you are meant to be working in the fashion business. If possible you should pick some majors and make yourself an expert in a certain area. Internships are therefore very important since you can easily see which area you like best. I think a glamorous working atmosphere deludes a lot of people when they think about working in the fashion industry. But it is basically like any other job and I personally think that it is one of the toughest industries since you need to have a lot of talent to really make it to the top. And be aware: we do not drink champagne every day, read fancy fashion magazines or attend fashion shows

Which blogs do you read regurlaly?
Due to my work I have to know some of the biggest fashion blogs and magazines. Both media channels are very important but I personally like best the fashion blogs since they are more authentic and up to date. I like reading blogs like: Highsnobiety, Artschoolvets, Dandy Diary.

What could you recommend to people who are looking for an entry in your company?
To start working in public relations everyone usually does an internship. We carefully select our employees and within six months we can see who would be perfect for the job. Afterwards you continue working as a trainee for 1,5 years.